Steer clear of corned beef and beer on St. Patrick’s Day to avoid a gout flare up.

Even though it was 15 years ago, I still remember the pain. I stepped
out of my mom’s car and collapsed on the ground in agony. The pain was
so intense I thought I had stepped on a scorpion and actually looked
around for the poor creature. (This was in Hawaii, WI, where people often
wear sandals and where those critters can roam the pavement.)

I wasn’t stung, yet my left big toe grew flaming red and hot, to the
point where a slight breeze brushing against it could cause me agony.